Ulstein Contract to Build Offshore Construction Vessel

Working closely with Eidesvik Offshore and their partner Subsea 7, Ulstein has signed a contract for delivering an offshore IMR/ construction vessel of the Ulstein SX148 design to Eidesvik Offshore.

The yard and design department at Ulstein have worked on this project for more than two years.

The ship is of the SX148 design from Ulstein, which can carry out highly advanced subsea work like inspection, maintenance and repair of oil installations on the sea bottom. Furthermore, the vessel can be used for clearing oil and gas wells and for well stimulation.

The moon pool is located centrally in the ship’s hangar, in an efficient layout providing a good and safe indoor work area on the main deck. The vessel is equipped with three ROVs: one for observation and two for operation. It also has an MHS (Module Handling System).

Also onboard is a 100-tonne AHC (Active Heave Compensated) offshore crane. It will be used mainly for lifting/lowering heavy equipment from/to the sea bottom. The vessel has a high freeboard – which means the work deck is high above the waterline, providing added safety for the deck crew.

The vessel is able to carry out demanding operations also under harsh weather conditions. The X-BOW® hull line design reduces hull motion from high waves, making it easier to keep on operating.

Statoil’s operational demands require that the vessel has a good back-up system for much of the equipment and systems onboard. The vessel is also ice-reinforced for arctic conditions.

The vessel will be 349.5 ft long and 80.4 ft wide with a top speed of over 17 knots. It will be accommodating a crew of 90. The ship will be in service for operator Statoil on her completion at the end of 2012.